Understanding Cardiologist Salary in the UK

If you are a cardiologist or considering a career in cardiology, knowing the typical cardiologist salary is essential for financial planning. The UK’s largest employer of cardiologists is the NHS, and pay is structured according to national scales. This article explains how hourly rates convert to annual salary, what the latest NHS pay data shows, and clears up common myths about overtime and London weighting.

Hourly to Annual Conversion for Cardiologists

Most NHS cardiologists work a standard full-time week of 37.5 hours (10 programmed activities). To convert an hourly rate to an annual salary, use the formula:

Annual salary ≈ hourly rate × 37.5 hours/week × 52 weeks

For example, if a consultant cardiologist earns £65.85 per hour, the annual gross pay would be £65.85 × 37.5 × 52 = £128,400. This matches the median figure from ONS ASHE 2024. However, actual take-home pay depends on tax code, pension contributions, and any salary sacrifice arrangements. Use our Hourly to Salary tool to calculate your own figures.

It is important to note that this conversion assumes a steady contracted week with no unpaid overtime. Cardiologists often work additional hours for on-call duties, catheter lab sessions, or pacing clinics, which are paid separately or as time off in lieu. Always check your contract for the exact number of programmed activities and any additional payments.

NHS Consultant Cardiologist Pay Scales (2026/27)

The NHS Employers pay scales for 2026/27 include a 3.5% basic pay increase for medical and dental consultants, effective from 1 April 2026. According to Prospects.ac.uk, newly qualified consultants start at £105,504, rising to £139,882 depending on length of service. Specialist grade doctors earn between £96,990 and £107,155, while specialty doctors range from £59,175 to £95,400.

ONS ASHE 2024 data (SOC code 2211) provides a more detailed picture for consultant cardiologists:

• 25th percentile: £109,475 gross per year
• Median: £128,400 gross per year
• 75th percentile: £158,000 gross per year

These figures represent basic pay plus typical additions such as on-call availability supplements and Clinical Excellence Awards. Private practice income can significantly boost total earnings, but it is not captured in NHS pay surveys.

Common Myths About Hourly Pay and Overtime

Myth 1: Your hourly rate is simply your annual salary divided by 2,000. Many people assume a 40-hour week and 50 weeks, but NHS cardiologists work 37.5 hours over 52 weeks (including paid holiday). Using 2,000 hours would overestimate the hourly rate. Always use the correct contracted hours.

Myth 2: Overtime is always paid at time-and-a-half. In the NHS, overtime for cardiologists is often compensated through additional programmed activities (PAs) at a standard rate, or through on-call supplements. Weekend allowances are paid as a percentage of basic salary depending on rota frequency. Check the NHS Terms and Conditions for your specific contract.

Myth 3: London weighting is a fixed amount. London weighting (high-cost area supplement) varies by trust and pay band. The NHS Employers 2026/27 pay scales show HCAS rates for each band, but the exact amount depends on your location and employer. For example, a consultant at Band 8d entry point (£103,102) may receive a higher annual value inclusive of HCAS. Always verify with your HR department.

How Private Practice Affects Cardiologist Salary

Many NHS consultant cardiologists also undertake private practice, which can substantially increase total compensation. ERI survey data reports an average cardiologist salary in England of £190,362 per year, with an hourly rate of £92. This figure likely includes private income and senior consultants. However, private practice earnings are variable and subject to self-assessment tax. They are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon for budgeting.

For a realistic view of NHS-only earnings, stick to ONS ASHE and NHS Employers data. Our salary articles provide further analysis of medical pay scales.

Conclusion

The cardiologist salary in the UK varies by experience, location, and additional duties. The median NHS consultant cardiologist earns around £128,400 per year, equivalent to about £65.85 per hour. When converting hourly to annual, use 37.5 hours per week and 52 weeks. Be aware of myths about overtime rates and London weighting, and always check your contract for exact terms. For more detailed calculations, visit our hourly calculator.